Adults with ADD crave stimulation. When we don't have enough stimulation in our work or home lives, we can easily get sucked into drama.
Think back to high school, when phrases like these dominated conversations:
- She told him and he told me that _____.
- I hear that he said _____.
- Did you hear what she did?
- I can't believe he _____!
Of course, many of these statements get spread, twisted, and overblown. Before you know it, the whole school hates some poor person who probably doesn't deserve it. That is, until the next target emerges.
As mature as we like to think we are, the drama doesn't stop in high school. Drama and gossip prevail throughout our lives, and only the most enlightened are able to detach from it. ADDers, in particular, can get wrapped up in drama because it's often much more interesting than the day-to-day stuff.
As business owners, however, we have to be extra careful about getting caught up in drama. For starters, YOU set the tone for your staff. If you devote lots of your time to gossip, you can expect that your staff will, too. Additionally, your conduct sets the tone for your brand. A business owner who gossips sends a message of being untrustworthy.
Perhaps the biggest danger of all when it comes to getting caught up in drama is that it can turn around and bite you in the ass. Just like in high school, those who participate in the drama will always end up as a target eventually. That can hurt your reputation, and thus hurt your business. And you probably won't even see it coming.
It's perfectly normal to get caught up in drama every once in a while, although it's no doubt better to avoid it altogether. If you do find yourself engaged in some drama, here are a few tips to keep it under control:
- Restrict gossip to a few people you know very well and trust whole-heartedly. Note that this does NOT mean your staff, clients, or customers!
- Don't believe everything you hear. There are three sides to every story: your's, mine, and the truth.
- Remain objective whenever possible and give people the benefit of the doubt. You'd want them to do the same for you.
What are your thoughts about drama at work? Have you or your business ever been the subject of drama? Please share your thoughts!
Comments